JC ranks high as destination for military retirees

Study cites city’s lower jobless rate, affordable housing

Jefferson City was ranked in the Top 10 among small metropolitan areas as “Best Places for Military Retirees to Launch Second Careers” by www.usaa.com and www.military.com with Sperling’s Best Places.

“Swapping military boots for civilian shoes is a big change, but in this era of high unemployment, being prepared is even more critical to a successful transition,” said June Walbert, a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves and financial planner with United Services Automobile Association.

The goal of this second-year study is to help military retirees with their civilian job search while encouraging them to think about what financial changes lie ahead and the choices that need to be made as the result of a new career, such as replacing life insurance or rolling over a Thrift Savings Plan account to an IRA.

For most of those who made the military a career, it may be a tough act to follow, said Ward Carroll, military retiree and editor of Military.com.

That’s why planning ahead for entering civilian employment and daily life is important, he said.

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